Search

In this paper, the electronic and transport properties of three groups of armchair Silicene nanoribbons were investigated in the presence of a vertical magnetic field. The Silicene nanoribbons were modeled with N=5-7 silicon atoms in width, each having different band gaps. Vertical magnetic field with strengths of h=0.1 eV, 0.2 eV, and 0.3 eV were applied to the nanoribbons. By applying a vertical magnetic field, changes were observed in the electronic arrangement of the nanoribbons. As a result, the electronic and transport properties of nanoribbons such as emission spectrum, band structure, and current-voltage (I-V) characteristics were changed. The results indicated that applying a vertical magnetic field to the armchair silicene nanoribbons subjected to electric potential difference enhances the current. To extract the electronic and transport properties of the nanoribbons, a tight-binding model coupled with the non-equilibrium Green's function formalism was employed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, crop pattern criteria have been evaluated relying on sustainable development to increase agricultural water productivity. Seven criteria were selected as the main environmental and economic criteria and were prioritized and reviewed for important and strategic products in the Tajan catchment of Mazandaran province. Criteria prioritization was done using optimization through a genetic algorithm with an objective function based on sustainable development. Then, physical and economic productivity indices were calculated to determine the productivity value. Based on the results, in the selection of the crop pattern, firstly, the category of economic criteria and finally the category of environmental criteria have been given attention to the farmers in the current situation. But in the genetic optimization algorithm, all priorities have a similar order from the environmental point of view and then from the economic point of view although each product has its order of criteria. By this prioritization, the parameters of the cultivated area, the volume of water consumed, and the amount of chemical fertilizers have decreased on average by 26%, 34%, and 21%, respectively, and the parameters of product performance and profitability have increased by 43% and 61%, respectively. In addition to providing environmental standards and increasing sustainable development, this prioritization causes an average increase in physical productivity by 84% and an increase in economic productivity by 72%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the actual evapotranspiration value and analyzing its temporal trend is essential for optimal water resources management in a basin. In the present paper, the actual evapotranspiration time series is simulated and its trend is analyzed according to the trend of climatic variables and land use in the Ajichi basin during the period of 2015- 1987. The comprehensive SWAT model was set up, calibrated, and validated for the Ajichi basin. Also, the average of simulated actual evapotranspiration of crops (in wet years) was compared with similar values in the National Water Document. The results of the Mann-Kendall trend test showed that the annual rainfall in most meteorological stations had a decreasing trend and the rainfall trend in the ten stations decreased significantly. While the annual maximum temperature at all stations and the annual minimum temperature in most of them have significantly increased. Investigation of land use maps illustrated that the irrigated land area of the basin has increased by a 39% during the study period. According the study's results, the potential evapotranspiration of the basin has had a significant increasing trend with a rate of 2.54 mm per year. The results indicated that despite the increasing trend of potential evapotranspiration and irrigated land area, the actual evapotranspiration of the basin had a significant decreasing trend with a rate of 2.2 mm per year due to the decrease in rainfall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Splash (raindrop) erosion plays an significant role in soil loss, especially in arid and semi-arid regions with poor vegetation. In this paper, by analyzing the pattern of rainfalls that occurred during 26 years in four basins located in Semnan County, their effect on the pattern of eroded sediments from the basin was investigated. Sedimentary layers from the sampling of retarding reservoir sediments in 2017 were related to the corresponding precipitations. Due to the occurrence of the highest amount of rainfall in each quarter of rainfall, rainfall hyetographs were divided into four categories. Cumulative precipitation curves with similar quartiles were drawn in one shape and compared with sediment curves and vice versa taking into account the physical characteristics of the basin. The results showed that the Aliabad basin (with less slope and more elongation) with an effective quarter of type 3 had the highest similarity in precipitation and sediment patterns. Also, the Western Soldereh basin (with the highest slope and the least elongation) with an effective quarter of type 2 had the least similarity in precipitation and sediment patterns. The results indicate the vital role of rainfall patterns on the resulting sediment patterns, which show up to 85% similarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural and optical properties of polycrystalline silicon films obtained on a silicon wafer by electron beam physical vapor deposition (EBPVD), were studied in this paper. These films were initially amorphous and changed to a crystalline solid phase during annealing. Annealing was performed in an inert gas atmosphere tube furnace at different temperatures. Micro-structure of the films was analyzed to know the relationship between the crystalline / amorphous composition, grain size and characteristics of the films. The results showed a decrease in roughness with increasing annealing temperature and structural density. Moreover, results of Micro-Raman spectrum showed formation and increase of silicon nanocrystals in the annealed condition when the thickness of the coating increased due to structural defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protection of rivers’ water quality as the most accessible source of the water supply has always been considered. In this paper, self-purification and the pollution decay coefficient values of Talar River, IRAN were studied based on field measurement of DO, BOD, pH, EC, Nitrate, Phosphate, and Temperature, in four seasons of the year 2018, in tandem with the river simulation and its calibration using QUAL2Kw model and the Streeter-Phelps method. In addition to the modeling and analysis results, the measured laboratory data values of the river water samples are also presented. Based on the results, the DO variations were ranged from 5.15 in summer to 7.47 mg/l in spring and BOD variations ranged from 1.88 in fall to 7.9 mg/l in summer. Also, according to the Streeter-Phelps method the decay coefficient values varied from 1.57 (1/day) in spring to 9.63 (1/day) in fall. The values of the Talar River decay coefficient also varied from 2 in fall to 7.7 (1/day) in summer involving the QUAL2Kw model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing an optimal crop pattern and on-time water allocation of water resources along with deficit irrigation are among the optimal solutions to maximize the water economic efficiency index. In this paper, the simultaneous optimization of crop pattern and water allocation are discussed using the deficit irrigation method. The study area is located west of the Qazvin plain irrigation network. The six different levels of percentage reduction of irrigation rate (0, 0 to 10, 0 to 20, 0 to 30, 0 to 40, and 0 to 50%) in three climatic conditions consist of dry, normal, and wet years were compared. The best irrigation scenario was selected for each year, and the results were compared with the existing crop pattern of the same year. The new crop pattern included the main crops of the region and the addition of rapeseed. The objective was to reach the maximum net benefit per unit volume of water by considering the maximum extraction of monthly and annual surface and groundwater. The results showed that the best scenario in the dry year was maximum deficit irrigation up to 20%, in a normal year full irrigation, and a wet year maximum deficit irrigation up to 10%. The improvement of economic water productivity in a dry year was 52.2%, in a normal year 41.5%, and in a wet year is 19.6% compared to the existing crop pattern. The average percentage of annual irrigation supply increases from 64.3 to 91.7% in a dry year, from 70 to 100% in a normal year, and from 77.5 to 97.1% in a wet year. Also, the relative yield of all crops, especially wheat, alfalfa, and sugar beet significantly increases. Therefore, the gravitational search algorithm as an optimization model can be considered in selecting the suitable crop pattern and allocation of surface and groundwater resources concerning economic benefits in irrigation networks management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In drought risk management, the regional analysis of drought is significant. In this paper, this important issue is investigated by presenting the new hydrological regional drought index (RDI). For this purpose, the Ajichai basin was selected as the study area. First, the time series of the streamflow drought index (SDI) was calculated for each of the hydrometric stations in the basin f regional analysis of hydrological drought. Then, to determine the homogeneous regions in terms of hydrological drought, the k-means method was used for clustering analysis. Based on the clustering results, 6 Homogeneous regions were identified in the basin. For each of these regions, the time series of the RDI index was calculated from 1365 to 1393. The results showed that during the study period in each of the regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, mild Wet and mild drought has occurred at 82.1, 80.1, 78.9, 83.3, and 84.3 percent of regions, respectively. Also, the total percentage of drought events (moderate and high) is higher than the total percentage of wet events (moderate and high) in all regions. So, during the study period, the total percentage of drought events (moderate and high) is more than twice the total percentage of wet events (moderate and high) in regions 2 and 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By storing the cantaloupe fruit in the optimum conditions, it can be provided over a longer period of time with a more optimal quality in the domestic markets; its exports to other countries can be expanded and developed. This study was intended to utilize ethylene absorbents in order to preserve postharvest characteristics in the cantaloupe fruit. Therefore, fruits of Cucumis melo were stored in nano-1zeolite packets with 7% potassium permanganate (KMnO4) and 7% KMnO4 coated paper straws during 35 days of storage at 6°C and seven day intervals. Accordingly, significant quantitative and qualitative traits such as weight changes, fruit firmness, ascorbic acid, titratable acidity, pH of the fruit extract, soluble solids, electrolyte leakage, and ethylene production were investigated. The results revealed that at the end of the experiment, in the nano-1zeolite treatment, the fruit weight was increased by 7%, fruit firmness was enhanced by 2 kg/cm2, and ascorbic acid content was increased by 29%, compared to those in the control samples. Also, the treatment with nano-1zeolite, approximately 14 to 21 days after the start of storage, showed acceptable results in maintaining the desired characteristics of the fruit. However, the use of paper straws improved the quality of the cantaloupe fruit during the first two weeks of fruit storage. In addition, although the maximum amount of ethylene production by the cantaloupe fruit after 35 days of storage was recorded to be 8.93 μL/g-11/h-11 there was no significant difference in terms of ethylene production between treatments due to the minimum amount of ethylene produced by the cantaloupe fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is the most crucial factor for agricultural development. Therefore, the economic evaluation of water resources is critical. The purpose of this paper was to determine the economic value of water resources, to evaluate the financial efficiency and to decide on the price of agricultural water in Arak plain. For this purpose, the economic value of water resources for wheat, barley, alfalfa and corn was identified in 2015- 2016, using the mathematical model developed in this research. The results showed that the financial efficiency was calculated for three alternatives: free-cost water, water cost equal to the 10% of the calculated price and water cost equal to the exact calculated price. The irrigation efficiency of 40% financial efficiency was 2.38%, 1.68% and 0.47%, respectively, for the aformentioned methods, and the irrigation efficiency of 70% financial efficiency was 2.07, 1.92 and 0.71, respectively. Also, the sensitivity analysis of the financial efficiency was performed, with 10% change in the farmers income and costs. The results also revealed that irrigation efficiency and financial efficiency were not aligned when farmers had free water; however, they were aligned when the farmer paid 10% of the calculated price. Financial efficiency was more sensitive to changes in the farmers income when compared to the changes in costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prediction of local scouring as a dynamic and nonlinear phenomenon using methods of acceptable predictive capability has always been of interest to researchers. The shape of the bridge pier is one of the important factors in the formation and magnitude of the scour hole. In this paper, the scour depth of three bridge piers with cylindrical, sharp nose and rectangular shapes was predicted in two scenarios using the support vector machine algorithm with 395 field data obtained from the US Geological Survey and Froehlich (1988), based on different combinations of dimensionless parameters as the water attack angle (α), Froud number (Fr), the ration of pier length to width (l/b), and the ratio of mean sediment size to pier width (D50/b). The results of the study, while confirming the acceptable performance of the SVM algorithm for all piers in both scenarios, showed that in the first and second scenarios, the most optimal performance was related to the rectangular pier shape with correlation coefficient of 0.8702 and 0.8838, with and maximum Ds (DDR) values of 0.854 and 1.229 respectively, during the testing phase. The positive effect of increasing the number of data on the performance of the SVM algorithm was also confirmed by further probing the evaluation indicators. The results of the comparison pointed out the overestimation of the predicted scour depth values of absolute error between 11% to 35%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drilling material from the tunnel of the Tehran-Shomal highway was estimated to be about 2.5 Million Cubic Meters by the project authorities. Sadly, from the beginning, the drilling materials had been deposited on the open space in the floodplain of the Chaloos river with slightest environmental considerations. During the previous years, weathering and leaching from the drilled materials besides the discharge of drain water from the tunnel had led to seriouse contaminations and the deterioration of the water quality of the Chaloos river. In this paper, the ecological risk of nonorganic pollutants due to drilled materials was investigated. The sampling was done from the excavated materials and river sediment in five different locations throughout a complete year. From the many pollutants, Nickel, Cadmium and Copper were chosen to be investigated. The results showed that almost 15 percent of the samples had a high degree of pollution, while 60 percent of them were clean and the other 25 percent included the highly contaminated ones. All samples were also estimated to have a low to high ecological risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the effect of adding aluminum trihydrate (ATH) on electrical (including dielectric constant, dielectric loss and strength, volume and surface resistivity) and hydrophobic properties of two-part room temperature volcanized (RTV) silicone rubber resin coatings were investigated. For this purpose, the RTV-ATH nanocomposite was made by physical mixing and its electrical and hydrophobic properties were compared with those of pure RTV. The results showed an increase in the dielectric constant (from 3.11 to 4.13), the dielectric loss (by ~ 0.06) and the dielectric strength (by ~ 4 KV/mm) of the RTV-ATH composite compared to the pure RTV. Moreover, ATH increased volume resistivity and reduced the surface resistivity of composite coatings. On the other hand, by spraying of coatings, no improvement in the hydrophobicity class of composite coating compared to pure RTV was observed and both samples were standardized in the HC2 standard class. Structural analysis of samples was performed by X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy and the presence of the main phases in them was confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is impractical to implement conservation efforts for all species due to complexity of natural systems, large scale of biodiversity issues, and budget limitations. Prioritizing species of conservation importance can alleviate this issue. Multiple interrelated criteria may be used for conservation prioritization of species. Therefore, the accurate evaluation of criteria is a multi-criteria decision-making problem. In the current paper, which is a complementary study to our previous work on identifying landscape species in central Iran, we aimed to provide more details about the integrated DEMATEL Analytical Network Process (DANP) for evaluating the criteria used for the process of selecting landscape species. The impact-relation map implied that home range size had the greatest effect on other criteria and the feasibility of monitoring received the most impact from other criteria. Also, conflict with human, vulnerability to climate change, and extent of occurrence have the highest priorities for selecting landscape species. Based on our findings, multi-criteria decision making systems effectively evaluate the interrelationships between the criteria affecting the selection process of species and rank the criteria according to their impacts. This framework can be used as a guideline for prioritizing species to increase the efficiency of site-based conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biocementation through microbial induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is a recently developed new branch in geotechnical engineering that improves the mechanical properties of bio-treated soils. The potential application of MICP to handle problems such as liquefaction and erosion has been established; this technique offers an environmentally friendly, cost-effective and convenient alternative to traditional soil improvement approaches. Nevertheless, in spite of the widespread demonstration of the process at laboratory scale, few field and practical applications have been implemented to assess the efficiency of the biochemical process. Therefore, this paper presents a review of the utilization of MICP for soil improvement and discusses the treatment process including the key constituents involved and the main affecting factors, especially in field scale applications. The major contribution of this research is to identify the main parameters restricting the application of this method on site. Finally, technical and commercial progress in the industrial adoption of the technology and the main challenges that are ahead for the future research prior to real practical application are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, to reduce the risks of contaminants, new remediation techniques have been focused on low-cost and environmentally friendly manners. Given the frequency of access, inexpensiveness and good physical and chemical properties, biochar has a high potential for the remediation of water pollutants. In this paper, the efficiency of chitosan engineered biochar (Bc-Ch) and pristine biochar (Bg-Bc) prepared from sugarcane bagasse biomass (Bg) in the Cd2+ removal in aqueous solution was investigated. To this aim, the effects of contact time, adsorbent dosage and solution pH on cadmium removal were evaluated by adsorption isotherms and Kinetic models. The results indicated that the Langmuir isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model could be well fitted with the process of cadmium biosorption. The maximum adsorption capacities of Bc-Ch, Bg-Bc and Bg ,according to Langmuir model, were found to be 32/78 mg/g, 11/57 mg/g and 2/23 mg/g, respectively. For these absorbents, the pseudo-second-order kinetic model showed the best fit to the experimental adsorption data. This study, therefore, indicated that the chitosan engineered biochar could be used as an effective, low-cost, and environmentally-friendly sorbent to remediate heavy metals contamination in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is the use of energy for groundwater pumping. Reducing energy consumption is very important to achieve the environmental sustainability and decrease the climate change impacts. In this paper, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions from groundwater pumping in the Guilan's aquifers was investigated. Firstly, groundwater depletion and the types of pumps for water pumping were examined in the current condition; then, the values of consumed energy, GHG emissions and climate change indicator of the current condition were estimated. The primary investigations showed that 55 percent of wells in the studied region had a diesel engine pump, while 51.3 percent of the required energy for groundwater pumping was supplied by electric pump. Calculated total GHG emissions and the value of climate change indicator in the current condition were equal to 8.98 and 7.59 Milion kg CO eq 2 , respectively. In order to achieve environmental sustainability and energy security, scenarios of replacing electric pumps and applying solar energy were examined. The results of the scenarios showed that diesel fuel wells had no significant effect on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, but the use of solar energy reduced them. GHG emissions, in comparison with the base scenarios, were decreased by 44.4% in June, July and August, respectively, by applying the scenario of using the solar pump in agricultural section. Therefore, it is preferred to apply policies in future planning to use renewable energies such as solar energy instead of diesel and electricity energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, the preparation of flood zoning maps is one of the basic and important issues in the study of development projects in the world; it is considered before any investment by the related organizations. In this paper, flood zoning was performed using the two-dimensional model HEC-RAS and GIS in order to assess the risk of the construction of a railway station near the bank of the Iranshahr River, in a range of 2500 meters. Two-dimensional hydraulic application could create a more accurate flow pattern in comparison to the one-dimensional model used in the previous studies, especially in the flood plain areas. In this paper, due to the important role of the topography of the area in ensuring the accuracy of the calculation, a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was used with very high precision (about 2 meters), as obtained from aerial photos. The results of this study indicated the onrush of flood, depth and flow velocity in different return periods. Based on the comparison of water surface profiles in the floodplains with the return period of 100 and 25 years, the maximum difference between the water levels was 0.5 m, which seemed to be reasonable by considering the low slope of the studied area. The results of this paper, therefore, showed that the location of the railway station was in medium risk and the outskirt of floodplain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental and numerical study of scouring pattern on the direct and polo-shaped groynes have been investigated in this paper. In this study, direct and polo-shaped groynes models with a length of 0.12 meter have been used in discharges of 10.5, 15, 20 liters per second in a direct flume. The results showed that the maximum scour depth formed around the groyne head of direct and polo-shaped types has increased with augmentation of flow discharge, which was 0.095 and 0.104 meter in the case of 20 L/s discharge respectively. Also, the width of scour hole was 2.25 and 2 times of effective length of the groyne in direct and polo-shaped groynes respectively. In this regards, maximum scour depth around the head of groyne was seen 0.87 and 0.79 times of the effective length of the groyne. Sand form located at downstream of the direct groyne at the distance of 0.09 and 0.15 meters from the side wall of direct groyne was stretched and extended to about 1.3 times of the channel width as well. While the length of the sand form for direct groyne was 1.15 times of the channel width. Overall, the dimensions of the scour hole around the polo-shaped groyne, was less than the direct groyne. In addition to understanding the hydraulic behaviour around the groyne, Flow3D software was used. Statistical survey of the results obtained by experimental and numerical models attested that the relative error of the numerical model could be about 20%, which shows an appropriate performance of using Flow3D for predicting the maximum scour depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, in order to study the flow behavior and elongation of as-cast ingots of SP-700 titanium alloy, hot tensile test was done in α/β dual phase and β single phase regions using strain rate of 0.1 s-1. Results showed that the hot tensile behavior of SP-700 in the α/β dual phase region (700-900 ºC) was different from the β single phase one (950-1100 ºC) due to the nature of alpha and beta phases and their crystallographic structure. This was since the number of slip systems and deformation mechanism in HCP structure were different from those in BCC structure. Beside, the intensive variation of elongation in temperature range of 850-900 ºC was due to the occurrence of beta transformation and removal of the alpha phase. The microstructural studies showed that the dominant mechanism of hot tensile deformation of SP-700 alloy was dynamic recovery (DRV). Thus, serration of grain boundaries and occurrence of DRV were the reasons for the increase of elongation with the rise of temperature. However, beta grains growth and occurrence of grain boundary fracture made a slight decrease in elongation in the temperature range of 1000-1100 ºC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landfill location is one of the most important aspects of municipal solid waste management. Selecting a suitable solid waste landfill site can prevent adverse ecological and socioeconomic effects. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to determine the solid waste landfill site selection problem in Bushehr city, according to some criteria including the considered land use, distance from surface and underground water, soil texture, precipitation, wind direction, geology, slope and distance from the fault, distance from the residential areas and distance from roads, and distance from the industrial parts and facilities. For this purpose, calculated criteria were weighted using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). A geographic information system (GIS) was then used to manipulate and present the spatial data. The candidate sites by aggregation based on the criteria weighted by the weighted linear combination (WLC) method were determined and the candidate sites were divided to unsuitable and good landfill areas. In the good landfill area, with the least time and investment, there was the possibility of developing a solid waste. By considering the minimum required landfill area for 10, 20, 50 and 100 years, the candidate sites were prioritized. The results of the site suitability assessment showed that the site E in Bushehr city was the suitable area for locating the disposal of solid wastes, covering an area of 3738 ha, 3.7% of the total area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the factors leading to the contamination of water resources is human activity, producing waste materials. In this paper, the effects of contamination on the water quality of Taleghan River, was simulated using of Qual2k model and the seasonal changes were evaluated. The qualified data collected during two months, August (as the dry season) and February (as the wet season), were used in the modelling. The results showed that the dissolved oxygen change was in the range of 4.5-6.52 mg/L in August. However, it changed between 4.8-5.3 mg/l in February and this reduction in the wet season was due to the run off deposition and the seepages of farmland near the river. Furthermore, BOD in the wet season and the dry season changed by 6-31 and 10-26 mg/l, respectively. These changes were due to the sewage dilution in flow during the wet season. Evaluation of the pH values in wet and dry seasons also showed that water of the river was more alkaline in the wet season, which is due to the effect of non-point resources or the fertilizer entrance after farm land bleaching by rain. Evaluation of Taleghan river EC variation also showed these changes were not significant during the wet and dry seasons. Water temperature was altered by 3-10°C and 19-25°C, respectively, in February and August. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advances in the development of biomaterials for tissue replacement, the attention of scientists has been focused on the improvement of clinical implant properties. In this regard, despite the appropriate properties of the stainless steel, the application of stainless steel as implants has been limited due to the weak corrosion resistivity. The purpose of this paper was preparation and characterization of hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-SiO2-CuO nanocomposite coating on the 316L stainless steel surface. The 316L stainless steel was coated by SiO2 nanoparticles (20 wt. %), CuO nanoparticles (0.5, 1 and 2 wt. %) and biocompatible PDMS. In this research, x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were applied to characterize the coating. Moreover, the roughness and water contact angle of the coatings consisting of various amounts of CuO nanopowder were estimated. Finally, the effects of various amounts of the CuO nanopowder on the corrosion resistivity of nanocomposite coatings were investigated. XRD patterns confirmed the presence of crystalline CuO nanoparticles on the substrate. Due to the non-crystalline nature of silica nanoparticles and the semi-crystalline PDMS polymer, no peak confirming the presence of these phases was detected on the XRD pattern of the nanocomposite coating. SEM images showed the formation of a lotus leaf-like layer on the surface of the nanocomposite coating containing 1 and 2 wt. % CuO. Moreover, water contact angle evolution revealed that while contact angle was 81 degree without CuO nanoparticles, it was enhanced to 146 degree in the presence of 1 wt. % CuO. Moreover, the corrosion study showed the nanocomposite containing 2 wt.% CuO had the best corrosion resistance, the corrosion current density of 2.1E-7 A.cm-2, and the corrosion potential of 0.22 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A water distribution network (WDN) may not be able to satisfy all required demands when it’s in the pressure deficit mode or under over-loaded demand conditions. Analysis of the network in this mode requires pressure dependent analysis (PDA). Unlike demand driven analysis (DDA), PDA needs an extra equation for every node to relate the nodal demand and the nodal pressure; so it should be solved with the other network’s equations simultaneously. In this paper, based on the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm, a decision support system has been developed by using MATLAB and EPANET for PDA simulation in WDNs. A four-loop network selected from the literature was analyzed using different scenarios and different pressure dependent functions presented by the previous investigations. The results showed that the proposed model (PSO-PDA) was as accurate as the previous ones and provided better convergence. The results of the nodes’ pressure and discharge also indicated minor differences obtained by different PDA functions. However, the differences between the results of PDA and DDA were considerable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper was modeling and mechanical analysis of the biodegradable biphasic calcium phosphate/silk (BCP/Silk) laminated composite bone plate for fractured tibia healing; to this aim, ABAQUS 6.13 was employed for modeling and mechanical analysis. First, the tibia bone was considered based on the anthropometric measurements of an average person as a two-layer cylinder; the inner part was the bone marrow and the outer one was the cortical bone. Then, the bone plate and screws were designed according to the defined standards and the properties of new composite in the ABAQUS software. The mesh of bone plate and other equipments were selected to be tetragonal and cubic, respectivelly. After that, the bone plate was placed on the bone while the bone was bounded along the Y axis and the force of around 400 N was loaded. The results showed that the biocompatible and biodegradable composite bone plate had the elastic modulus of about 21 GPa, which was close to the bone modulus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, fluctuations of inflow into the Karun-4 Dam under different scenarios of the climate change for the future period of 2021-2050 were investigated. For this purpose, the outputs of the HadCM3 model under the scenarios of B1 (optimistic) and A2 (pessimistic) were utilized for the fourth report; additionally, the outputs of the ensemble model under RCP 2.6 (optimistic) and RCP 8.5 (pessimistic) scenarios were used for the fifth report. Moreover, in order to estimate runoff in the future period, the artificial neural network was considered as a rainfall-runoff model. The results indicated that the average annual precipitation in the five study stations under B1 and RCP 2.6 scenarios was increased by 15 and 5%, respectively, while it showed a decrease equal to 8 and 6%, respectively under the scenarios A2 and RCP 8.5. Furthermore, the average annual temperature in all scenarios showed increase, which was at least 1.06 ⁰C under the scenario B1 and 1.89 ⁰C under scenario RCP 8.5. Examining the input inflow into the Karun-4 dam showed that under both B1 and RCP 2.6 scenarios, the annual inflow will be increased by 1.8 and 1.5%, respectively; under the two scenarios A2 and RCP of 8.5, the annual inflow will be decreased to 10.4 and 9.8%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spectral Reflectance of suspended sediment concentration (SSC) remotely sensed by satellite images is an alternative and economically efficient method to measure SSC in inland waters such as rivers and lakes, coastal waters, and oceans. This paper retrieved SSC from satellite remote sensing imagery using radial basis function networks (RBF). In-situ measurement of SSC, water flow data, as well as MODIS band 1 and band ratio of band 2 to 1 were the inputs of the RBF. A multi-regression method was also used to make a relationship between the in-situ data and the water reflectance data retrieved from MODIS bands. The results showed that RBF had the best SSC prediction error (RMSE=0.19), as compared to the multi-regression and sediment rating curve methods, with the RMSE of 0.29 and 0.21, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, high purity magnesium hydroxide nanoplates were successfully synthesized by using brine rich in magnesium ions as precursor and NaOH as precipitating agent without using dispersant agent in the room temoerature. The study and characterization of various properties of obtained nanopowder was carried out by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) and Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). The FESEM and XRD analysis results showed that magnesium hydroxide powder had nanoplates with the average crystallite size 17.1nm and no impurity; that was in agreement with the result of EDX and FTIR perfectly. Furthermore, optical characteristics of magnesium hydroxide nanoplates by UV-Vis spectroscopy showed an optical band gap of 5.5 eV. This wide band gap can be a useful innovation in optoelectronic sub-micron devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind erosion is the most important geomorphic process and the main cause of the landscape change in arid and semiarid areas. This paper focuses on the Dust Storm Index (DSI) with the aim of monitoring wind erosion in Central Iran using meteorology data. The trend of standardized DSI and its three factors which are sever dust storm, moderate dust storm and local dust events were studied using Man-Kendal non-parametric test. It was found that wind erosion is accelerating in recent years. Compared to primary 20 years (1965-1985) DSI rate has been three times more than 30 years ago (1985-2014). The central and southern parts of Central Iran show the highest severity of wind erosion and the severity of DSI decreases by approaching the north. Therefore, considering the sensitivity of these areas, in addition to taking into account prevention programs, they should also be considered in regeneration and control programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basin irrigation is one of the conventional surface irrigation methods used to irrigate many crops all over the world. EDOBASIN, a new mathematical model for evaluation, design and optimal operation of basin irrigation has been introduced in this paper. In this model the linear combination of desired efficiencies are considered in an objective function, and based on decision variables that include discharge, length and width of basin and also restrictions of parameters, the optimal design is performed. This model is a simulation-optimization model in which the volume balance equations are used for hydrodynamic simulation and SA method are used for optimization steps. Optimization capabilities with various decision options and allowing weights to the indicators are good characteristics of this model. Comparison of advance time in this model with the well-known model SIRMOD for a real condition showed a good accuracy in the evaluation phase. In addition, the significant improvement of efficiencies after optimizing them simultaneously indicate that the model is an efficient tool for optimal design and use of this model for a data plot of an experimental field could enhance the efficiency of deep percolation ratio and application efficiency to 20% and keep constant the level of 100% for the efficiencies of water requirement and distribution uniformity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aimed to assess the severity of desertification in Segzi plain located in the eastern part of Isfahan city, focusing on groundwater quality criteria used in MEDALUS model. Bayesian Belief networks (BBNs) were also used to convert MEDALUS model into a predictive, cause and effects model. Different techniques such as Kriging and IDW were applied to water quality data of 12 groundwater wells to map continuous variations of the CL, SAR, EC, TDS, pH and decline in water table indices in GIS environment. The effects of measured water quality indicators on desertification severity levels were assessed using sensitivity and scenario analysis in BBNs model. According to the results of the MEDALUS, the desertification of the study area was classified as severe class due to its low quality of groundwater. Sensitivity analysis by the both models showed that decline in waater table, water chloride content and electrical conductivity were the most important parameters responsible for desertification in the region from ground water condition standpoint. The determination coefficient between the outputs of the MEDALUS and BBNs models (R2>0.63) indicated that the results of both models were significantly correlated (α=5 %). These results indicate that the application of BBNs model in desertification assessment can appropriately accommodate the uncertainty of desertification methods and can help managers to make better decision for upcoming land management projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ab-Barik watershed in Bam is a part of Lut desert basin. It is like all other desert areas which has erosion problems caused by wind erosion, sand and soil storms. The result of these sand storms appears as continuous and isolated sand hills. In this paper it was attempted to identify direction and source of harvest points by using sedimentological methods. This was accomplished by step by step sand processed method. At the first step the main direction of harvest areas was determined by some studies such as collecting public information, the study of general morphology and measuring sand hill, comparison of aerial photos in different periods and analysis of region winds. At the second step the origin of sand areas was recognized by investigations such as the study of geomorphological facies of lands of harvest regions with emphasis on morphodynamic wind, granulation of sand hills elements and surface soil of erosionic facies plots at harvest lands, study of morphoscopy of forming particles of samples and determination of indices including central diameter, roundness, sorting and mineralogy of samples. The results revealed that the main source of sands is clay pan facies and farm lands, especially waste lands. Also, the main direction of harvest areas displacement is from south, southwest to north, and northeast. Application of results of this study can modify the used management methods, controlling and confronting with the problem of wind erosion and sand and soil storms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is one of the most important abiotic stresses limiting the survival, growth, and productivity of plants in many regions of the world. This study was conducted to evaluate drought tolerance of the recombinant genotypes of two species of orchardgrass and smooth bromegrass based on clonal evaluation and stress tolerance indices. In this study, 36 genotypes selected from polycross populations of both species of orchardgrass and smooth bromegrass were evaluated in terms of phenological, agronomic and morphological traits under normal (50% water depletion from the root zone depth) and drought-stressed (90% water depletion from the root zone depth) conditions during 2013 to 2015 at the Research Farm of Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran. To evaluate drought tolerance of the mentioned genotypes, five drought tolerance and susceptibility indices including stress tolerance indices (TOL and STI), mean productivity index (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP) and stress sensitivity index (SSI) were calculated based on forage yield under drought stress (Ys) and non- stress (Yp) conditions. In both species, high genetic variation was observed among genotypes in terms of most of the studied traits and indices. In orchardgrass, the genetic coefficient of variation varied from 4.31% to 23.5% under normal condition, and from 1.31% to 21.3% under drought stress condition. In smooth bromegrass, the range of genetic coefficient of variation was variable from 2.05-21.4% under normal condition and 1.66-24.6% under drought stress condition. This indicated a high potential for improving these traits through targeted selection in breeding programs of the two species. Drought stress significantly affected most of the studied traits and reduced the genetic variability of traits except for days to ear emergence, days to pollination, percentage of dry matter yield of cut 1, and percentage of dry matter yield of cut 2 in orchardgrass, and percentage of dry matter yield of cut 1 and percentage of dry matter yield of cut 3 in smooth bromegrass. The amount of this reduction for dry matter yield of cuts 1, 2 and 3 was 47.5, 67.3, and 66.6 percent, respectively, in orchardgrass, and 37.4, 49.5, and 49.4 percent, respectively, in smooth bromegrass. Low heritability for forage yield (24.7, 13.5, and 25.9 percent for dry matter yield of cut 1, dry matter yield of cut 2, and dry matter yield of cut 3, respectively, in orchardgrass, and 59.5, 45.9, and 59.4 percent for dry matter yield of cut 1, dry matter yield of cut 2, and dry matter yield of cut 3, respectively, in smooth bromegrass) suggested that direct selection based on forage yield is not effective for the improvement of this trait. Though, indirect selection based on components of forage yield which have high heritability and high correlation with yield (i.e. plant height, stems/plant, and crown diameter in both species), would be more effective. In both species, selection indices of MP, GMP, and STI had a positive and significant correlation with forage yield (0.92, 0.75, and 0.75, respectively, under normal condition, and 0.61, 0.81, and 0.77, respectively, under drought-stressed condition, in orchardgrass; and 0.95, 0.92, and 0.88, respectively, under normal condition, and 0.91, 0.95, and 0.95, respectivel, under drought-stressed condition, in smooth bromegrass). Therefore, these indices were identified as desirable ones in the selection of drought tolerant cultivars in orchardgrass and smooth bromegrass. Based on the results of principal component analysis and drought tolerance and susceptibility indices, the genotypes of 13 and 14 in orchardgrass, and 13 and 32 in smooth bromegrass were identified as superior genotypes in terms of forage yield and drought tolerance. These genotypes can be used as superior parents for the development of genetic populations to improve forage yield and stress tolerance and create synthetic cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the lack of water resources and excessive evaporation in the country, it is necessary to have a detailed irrigation program and a suitable management method. The present research was conducted to investigate the effect of superabsorbent and mulch in Khorramabad in July 2022 in a factorial combination with a completely randomized design in three replications. The first experimental factor was irrigation water treatment in 4 levels including irrigation that provided 100% water requirement (I100), 80% of crop water requirement (I80), 60% of crop water requirement (I60), and 40% of crop water requirement (I40). The second factor included different corrective materials including plant mulch (M), superabsorbent (S), and control treatment (I). The results showed the maximum amount of wet and dry yield and crop height was related to I100-M treatment, i.e. 100 percent water requirement and compost corrective material, which were 89.52 tons per hectare, 29.42 tons per hectare, and 2.27 meters. The maximum wet and biological productivity for I40-S was calculated as 14.24 kg of wet matter per cubic meter of water and 4.75 kg of dry matter per cubic meter of water. The lowest wet and dry yields were related to I40-M, which decreased the yield of the control treatment by 6.5 percent and 0.9 percent. The lowest productivity was related to the I100-S treatment, which was calculated as 3.13 kilograms per cubic meter of water for biological productivity and 9.14 kilograms per cubic meter of water for wet weight productivity. In general, mulch had a better performance in the treatments where the water stress was low, but when the water stress increased, the performance of the mulch treatments decreased. In the superabsorbent matter, the treatments with complete irrigation or with less stress, yield decreased, but the treatments with increased stress showed better results than most of the corrective materials and the control treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Desertification is a phenomenon that has more destructive effects in arid, semi-arid, and semi-humid regions than in other regions. This paper tries to provide a map of the future of desertification in Tehran Province, for futurism in the face of land degradation and desertification. The IMDPA model was used to evaluate land degradation and desertification. To use this model and evaluate desertification, three criteria of groundwater including groundwater depletion, electrical conductivity, and sodium adsorption ratio indices, climate criterion including precipitation, aridity, and drought indices, and land use criteria were selected as key criteria effected on desertification according to regional conditions. Land use index map with IGBP standard and zoning map of other indicators were prepared by IDW method for 2011 and 2016. The maps of land use index and other indices were predicted using the CA-Markov model in TerrSet software, and using the RBF method in artificial neural network toolbox, respectively. Scoring based on the IMDPA model, the maps of indices and criteria maps were prepared for 2011, 2016, and 2021. Finally, the desertification intensity map was calculated by geometric averaging for all three criteria for all three time periods. The results showed that 59.78% and 40.22% of the area of Tehran Province were in the low and medium classes, respectively. However, in 2016, the area of the medium class has increased to a 44.8%, and it is predicted that this increase will continue until 2021 so that 47.65% of the area of Tehran Province will be in the medium class. In addition, in this year, about 1% of the area of Tehran Province will be allocated to the high class in the western regions, which did not exist in the previous two periods. In general, due to human activities, the intensity of desertification in the western and southern parts of the province is higher than in the eastern and northern regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, Ni-doped lead hexaferrites (PbFe12-xNixO19) nanoparticles with x = 0.2 were prepared by sol-gel method. Then, the effect of annealing temperature on its structural, magnetic and dielectric properties was studied. First, the dryed gel was evaluated by Thermogravimetry-Differential Thermal Analysis (TG/DTA) and then, the structural morphology, magnetic and dielectric properties of samples have been characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, XRay Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) and LCR meter. The results of x-ray diffraction patterns show that by increasing annealing temperature up to 800 °C, PbFe11.8Ni0.2O19 phase percentage in the samples increases. Also, by increasing annealing temperature, the magnetization increases because the unwanted phases disappear and pure and single-phase lead hexaferrite are formed. By increasing frequency, first the AC electrical conductivity of the samples decreases and then increases. These variations have been explained by Maxwell-Wanger model. The result measurements show that the best sample is PbFe11.8Ni0.2O19 with annealing temperature of 800 °C for 3 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the optimization of the surface composite of Mg AZ31B-carbon nanotub(CNT) via friction stir processing was investigated. Then, the most effective process parameters such as transverse speed, rotational speed, CNT weight percent and welding passes were studied by Response Surface Methodology (RSM) design of experiment. The specimens were also characterized by micro-hardness, tensile, shear punch and pin on disk dry sliding wear tests. The optimization results of hardness and weight reduction responses showed that the best conditions would be achievable with a transverse speed of 24 mm/min, rotational speed of 660 rpm, 4wt.% CNT and 3 welding passes. Moreover, fracture analysis of the surfaces proved a uniform distribution of CNTs in the matrix resulted in higher tensile and shear strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydraulic jump is the most common method of dissipating water's kinetic energy in downstream of spillways, shoots and valve. In this paper, Support Vector Machine (SVM) method, as a machine learning method, have been used to estimate hydraulic characteristics such as the sequent depth ratio, jump length and energy loss in three different sudden expansions stilling basins, and the rate of influence of input parameters in each jump has been analyzed. In order to evaluate the performance of proposed method, 936 sets of the observed data have been used for training and testing process of three kinds of expanding channel models. Furthermore, a comparison between semi-theoretical approaches and the data obtained from the best SVM models have been carried out. The results confirmed the efficiency of SVM method for estimating the hydraulic jump characteristics and proved that this method performed well in comparison to the semi-theoretical relationships. The obtained results revealed that the superior model for the sequent depth ratio and relative energy dissipation was the model with (Fr1, 1h B) parameters and the superior model for the length of hydraulic jump prediction was the model with (Fr1, 2 1 h h ) parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appropriate criteria and methods are required to assess desertification potential in various ecosystems. This paper aimed to assess desertification levels in Segzi plain located in east part of Isfahan, with a focus on soil quality criteria used in MEDALUS model. Bayesian Belief Networks (BBNs) were also used to convert MEDALUS model into a predictive, cause and effects model. Soil samples were collected from 17 soil profiles in all land units and some of their characteristics such as texture, soluble sodium and chlorine, organic material, Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR), Electrical Conductivity (EC) and CaSo4 of all soil samples were determined in soil laboratory. The effects of measured soil quality indicators on desertification intensity levels were assessed using sensitivity and scenario analysis in BBNs. Results showed that the used integrated method can appropriately accommodate uncertainty in the desertification assessments approaches created as a result of the influence of different soil characteristics on desertification. According to the results of MEDALUS model, 28.28 % and 71.72 % of the study area were classified as poor and moderate areas in terms of soil quality respectively. Sensitivity analysis by both models showed that soil organic matter, SAR and EC were identified as the most important edaphic variables responsible for desertification in the study area. Evaluating the effects of various management practices on these variables can assist managers to achieve sound management strategies for controlling desertification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a great thermodynamic driving force, copper cementation by aluminum from sulfate solutions involves a relatively slow kinetics due to the presence of the passive oxide film on the surface of aluminum. The previous studies have confirmed the positive effect of the presence of small amounts of chloride ion on reducing the scale of this problem. In this paper, the effect of concurrent ball milling on the kinetics of this process has been investigated. The cementation experiments were carried out in a polyamide jar with alumina balls inside by planetary ball milling. The studied parameters were ball number (0, 4), temperature (25-55 °C) and time (0-240 s). All experiments were conducted at constant condition of [Cu2+] = 6 g/L, [Cl−] = 75 mg/L, rotation speed of 160 rpm, average aluminum particle size of 279 μm and [H+] = 1.94×10-3. The results showed that concurrent ball milling reduces the induction period of the cementation process to less than 120 s. The apparent rate constant of cementation showed the positive influence of simultaneous milling on the kinetics of the studied cementation process. Moreover, activation energies of the induction and main periods were calculated to be respectively 86 and 26 kJ.mol-1, indicating the shift of the reaction mechanism from chemical control to mass transfer control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper the effect of deep cryogenic treatment time on microstructure and tribological behavior of AISI 5120 case hardennig steel is studied. The disk shape samples were carburized at 920 °C for 6 hours and air cooled; after austenitizing, the samples were quenched in oil.Then immediately after quenching and sanding, the sample were kept in liquid nitrogen for 1, 24, 30 and 48 h and then tempered at 200 °C for 2 hours. The wear test was done by ball on disk method using of WC ball at 80 and 110 N load. For characterization of carbides, the etchant solution of CuCl2 (5 gr)+HCl (100 mL) + ethanol (100 mL) was used. The hardness of samples before and after of tempering was measured by vicers method at 300 N load.. The amount of retained austenite was measured by X Ray Diffraction method. For 1DCT and 24DCT samples it was about 8% and 4%; in the other samples, the retained austenite peal was so decreased that it was not visible. The result showed that the hardness increases by deep cryogenic treatment in all speciments. While wear resistance increases in 1DCT and 24DCT samples, it decreases for 30DCT and 48DCT samples in compare with Conventional heat treatment (CHT) sample in both applied loads, such that, 48DCT sample has the least wear resistance. The cause of increament of hardness is due to reduction in amount of retained austenite as a result of deep cryogenic treatment and decreasing in wear resistance after 24 hour, is due to carbide growth and nonhemogenuse distribution in microstructure and then weakening of matrix. So the 24 hour deep cryogenic treatment was the best optimal for AISI 5120 steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the efficiency of four hybrid horizontal-vertical subsurface constructed wetlands which have been built for the tertiary treatment of Isfahan North Wastewater Treatment Facility and removal of organic matters was evaluated. In these constructed wetlands three plants including Phragmites australis, Typha latifolia and Arundo donax were planted and one unit left unplanted. The results of 12 months of sampling showed that the type of vegetation has no significant influence on the organic matter removal in the subsurface constructed wetlands, although the removal efficiencies in the planted constructed wetlands were more than unplanted control one. The COD and BOD5 removal efficiency in the constructed wetlands changes between 77% to 83% and 84% to 86%, respectively, during the operation period. The results of this research also showed that the organic matter removal was dependent on the influent organics nature and biodegradability. The first order model constants were calibrated in different wetlands for designing main projects. The organic concentration in the wetland effluents met the Iranian regulation limits for different reuse applications that shows the constructed wetland is a suitable technology for wastewater treatment in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several indices are used for drought identification and quantification. In this paper, the new Standardized Palmer Drought index (SPDI) was introduced and then the drought condition of Chaharmahal-Va-Bakhtiari Province was studied using this index. For this study, 11 synoptic, climatology, and evaporation meteorology stations were selected. Essential information in this investigation includes monthly temperature, monthly precipitation, and soil moisture measurement. To estimate SPDI, moisture departure, was first calculated on a monthly time scale. Then, converted to cumulative moisture departure values in different time scales including 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months. The best statistical distribution (GEV) was then fitted to cumulative departure. These values were then standardized to have the SPDI. The results showed that, as soil moisture affects SPDI estimation, it will be more valid for analyzing and monitoring drought conditions, especially for agricultural drought. Also, the results showed that 2000, 2001, and 2008 years were the driest time in this Province from 1988 to 2012. Moreover, drought frequency was found out in the western half of the Province more than in the other parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Management of watersheds and sustainable development today requires the most suitable and fastest method of obtaining and integrating information for optimal management and planning. One of the challenges of watershed management in the stage of planning and implementation of remedial and rehabilitation operations is choosing the appropriate and correct location; to have the necessary maximum efficiency and effectiveness, due to the high cost of mechanical operations and the lack of financial resources, select the right place to construct mechanical corrective dams has particular importance. Therefore, the objective of this research was to locate mechanical watershed management operations with a multi-criteria approach using AHP and ANP decision methods and compare the two methods in the geographic information system environment at the Saqezchi-Chay watershed. The research criteria and sub-criteria of 14 variables included soil (depth and texture), climate (type and precipitation amount), land use and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), hydrological factors and soil protection (flow accumulation, sedimentation rate, and curve number), topography (elevation and slope) and economic and social (distance from the village, from loan sources and the road). Expert judgments for weighting were collected through a questionnaire and in a field method with a statistical population of 29 experts and university professors. The results of this research showed that the ANP method had a significant correlation with the AHP method at the level of 95% and with an intensity of 0.839 and by comparing the prioritization of the two methods with Masonry Check Dams structures implemented in the SaqezchiChay watershed, it was determined that the ANP method prioritizes with more accuracy and resolution due to its network nature and increasing the range of changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agricultural sector depends largely upon water and energy resources to fulfill sufficient water for producing adequate food for the rapidly growing world’s population. It requires great effort to improve water and energy productivity for agricultural products to provide consumers’ health as well as environmental protection. In this study, the volume of irrigated water, crop yield, water productivity, and the consumed energy for onion crops irrigated with sprinkler or surface irrigation methods under farmer management were measured and compared. The measurements were recorded from 2020 to 2021, on 17 farms across Esfahan Province where onion was a main crop in the region. The measured data from the foregoing two irrigation methods were statistically analyzed using t-test and Pearson correlation coefficients. The outcomes revealed that the volume of irrigated water as well as crop yield was greater for surface irrigation method compared to sprinkler irrigation, and the differences were statistically significant. Moreover, water productivity for onions irrigated with a sprinkler irrigation system was significantly higher (p<0.01) in comparison with onions irrigated with the surface method. In addition, the results indicated a significantly direct correlation between the volume of irrigated water and onion yield, whereas a significantly indirect correlation was observed between the volume of irrigated water and water productivity. A significantly inverse correlation was found between the productivity of energy for irrigation and energy consumption; so, an increase in the energy for irrigation resulted in a decrease in energy productivity. Based on the results of this study, the sprinkler method is more effective than the surface for irrigation of onion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research explores the experimental and numerical investigation of homogeneous earth dams in rapid drawdown conditions. The numerical model was evaluated and calibrated due to the saturation status using the experimental model. The calculated error between the piezometric pressure data and the seepage line in the numerical and experimental model indicated that the results of the Seep/W numerical model data had acceptable accuracy. Also, to determine the thickness of the filter adjusted in the upstream side slope of the homogeneous earth dam in rapid drawdown condition, input data to the numerical model including hydraulic conductivity, rate of the water level drop (depletion of the dam reservoir in three scenarios of 2, 3, and 4 days), the different side slopes of the body (m = 1, 2, and 3), and the thickness of the filter layers were determined. It is worth mentioning that the number of layers and the soil properties of the filter materials were determined based on the USBR which consisted of three types of soil structure (sand, gravel, and gravel with sand). The maximum hydraulic gradient of the dam materials was used to estimate the thickness of the filter layers. Finally, some dimensional fewer numbers were presented to estimate the filter layers by changing the input data through the numerical model to attain the safe conditions for the values of the hydraulic gradient at the upstream side slope. Results of the numerical model indicated that for the construction of the dam with the thickness of the presented filter, the values of the available hydraulic gradient at the point of water exit from the upstream side slope of the body of the earth dam were lower than the critical hydraulic gradient of the earth dam materials in rapid drawdown condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, milling was investigated as a method for production of Mn-Ga binary alloys and the effect of milling process on phase formation of Mn:Ga samples with 2:1 and 3:1 ratio within 1, 2 and 5 hour milling times was studied. For Mn:Ga samples, according to the results, Mn1.86Ga compound with tetragonal structure and I4/mmm space group was a stable phase. Also, some amounts of Mn3Ga compound with orthorhombic structure and Cmca space group was observed in the Mn:Ga solution. The effect of Ge addition, with the purpose of replacing Ge with Ga was also studied in Mn:Ga:Ge (3:0.5:0.5) sample. Although improved magnetic properties is expected with the addition of Ge, but increasing the coercivity was occurred, and saturation agnetization did not change significantly in the studied sample. Ge addition caused elimination of the possibility of formation of asymmetric orthorhombic Mn3Ga phase. In return, two new structures of Mn11Ge8 and MnGaGe were appeared. This phase change was confirmed by studying magnetic behaviour of samples. This behavior can be caused by unbalanced electrostatic forces resulting from Mn-Mn exchange interaction in Mn3Ga orthorhombic structure and substitution of some Ge atoms with Ga. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preliminary results of a research on the effects of microstructure and surface roughness of a hypoeutectic cast iron on its wetting angle are presented in this article. For this purpose, molten cast iron was solidified at different cooling rates to produce two samples of the same composition, i.e. a gray cast iron with A type flake graphite and a white cast iron. Two samples were then prepared in polished, electroetched (four different stages) and mechanically abraded (four different stages) conditions and their wetting angles were measured after evaluating their roughness profile. Maximum and minimum wetting angles were observed on white cast iron surfaces roughened with 80 and 800 sand papers which were equal to 42 and 13 degrees, respectively.Wetting angles of electroetched white cast iron surfaces varied between 25 and 31 degrees by varying surface roughness. Maximum and minimum wetting angles on the surface of gray cast iron were obtained in stage one (40 degree) and stage three (25 degree) of electroetching, respectively. Wetting angles on mechanically abraded surfaces of this sample varied between 27 and 31 degrees. Then, the surface roughness factor and the solid fraction in contact with water were calculated using Wenzel equation and Cassie Baxter equation, respectively, and Wenzel and Cassie-Baxter wetting angles of the surfaces were calculated and were compared with their corresponding measured wetting angles. The results indicated that the surface microstructure and the type of constituents present at the surface, surface-roughening method and surface-roughness value influence the cast iron surface wettability, and it is possible to modify metal wetting angle by modification of its structure, surface-roughness method and surface-roughness value. It was also shown that in gray cast iron, the wetting behavior of the electroetched surfaces followed Cassie-Baxter equation in the first and second stages of electroetching and followed Wenzel equation at higher surface roughness (third and fourth stages of electroetching). In all stages of mechanically abrading, the surface of this sample followed Wenzel equation. The wetting behavior of the white cast iron followed Wenzel equation in all electroetching stages. In mechanically abraded conditions, the white cast iron wettability was variable and depended on the surface roughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]